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Face and Neck Lifts -
Potential Complications
This is a routine operation that is a great success for the vast majority of patients. However, it is very important you understand what can go wrong as well as right with an operation. With facelift the potential problems are listed.
Skin loss: This is extremely uncommon and occurs if the blood supply to the skin is insufficient. The risks are if the skin is pulled too tight (therefore always avoided) and in patients that are heavy smokers.
Altered skin sensation: This is common initially but returns to normal in all areas in the vast majority.
Altered ear sensation: Again very uncommon but can occur if a nerve to the ear is damaged.
Small areas of asymmetry: The same operation will be performed both sides. There is a small risk of minor irregularities in the skin surface on one side and not the other. Similarly the lobe of the ear can subtly change position.
Scars: Patients can vary in the quality of scars they produce.
Wound breakdown: Although uncommon this can result in delay in wound healing and poorer scar quality.
Bleeding: A blood clot can collect under the skin flaps needing you to go back to theatre for its removal. If this occurs it will be within the first 24 hours. Occurs in approximately 1%.
Infection: Quite uncommon but if occurs you will need a course of antibiotics.
Nerve injury: Injury to the facial nerve is very uncommon but can result in palsy of the facial muscles. The most common areas affected are to the eyebrow and corner of the mouth. If it occurs it resolves itself in the majority of cases over 2-3 months. There are some cases with permanent injury.
General operation risks: Chest infections, Blood clots in the leg or lung (DVT or PE)
